The Chicago Blackhawks have to be ready for a fresh start after saying goodbye to so many fan favorites in 2021-22. While this team will not be contending for the playoffs, at least they will finally get to play some hockey again.
With the Blackhawks season right around the corner, today I want to go over some general information fans of the team will want to know going into the season, so let’s jump in.
The Chicago Blackhawks Guide To The 2022-23 NHL Season
2021-22 Season Stats:
Record: 28-42-12 (68 points)
Goal Leader: Alex DeBrincat – 41 goals
Point Leader: Patrick Kane – 92
2021-22 Recap:
The Blackhawks had high expectations going into this 2021-22 season, but a horrible start stopped them from ever contending with some of the big additions they made in the previous offseason. The team made some moves at the deadline like trading Marc-Andre Fleury and Brandon Hagel to bring in some assets for the future.
2022-23 Preview:
This will be a tough year for Blackhawks fans. This team will not be very good thanks to some of the moves they made this offseason. In fact, they will be one of the worst teams in the league, but that is part of the plan as they are rebuilding. This season will focus on some young players on the roster and the future for Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
Key Additions:
Max Domi, Andreas Athanasiou, Colin Blackwell, Alex Stalock, Petr Mrazek, and head coach Luke Richardson.
Key Subtractions:
Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, Dylan Strome, Dominik Kubalik, Calvin de Haan, Erik Gustafsson, Henrik Borgstrom, Brett Connolly and Kevin Lankinen.
Three Games On the Schedule:
Oct. 12: Chicago at Colorado
The Blackhawks get to open their season again against the Colorado Avalanche, this time around though Colorado will be hoisting up a banner.
Dec. 31: Chicago at Columbus
Chicago getting to play the Columbus Blue Jackets is going to be a fun moment to watch as Seth Jones should finally play in Columbus for the first time since the trade. Considering how that trade is looking now, maybe this is a bit of a rivalry forming between the two teams thanks to how well Columbus faired in that trade.
March 30: St. Louis at Chicago
This is the last time the Blackhawks and Blues will play in 2022-23. Considering this team is rebuilding and will not be very good, an opportunity to at least try and spoil a rival’s chance at the playoffs late in the year is the closest the Hawks will get to the playoffs.
2023 Draft Picks:
Blackhawks have their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 7th round picks this upcoming season. They also have the Lightning’s 1st and 2nd as well as the Dallas Stars’ 3rd. Patrick Kane Milestone Tracker With The Blackhawks’ Franchise
Outlook:
While the Blackhawks will not be very good in 2022-23, they will have some players on their roster that could be big pieces during the upcoming rebuild and beyond. This is the start of a new era in Blackhawks hockey under new general manager Kyle Davidson and with a new coach behind the bench in Luke Richardson.
While this team might not be the best in the league, at least the Hawks are starting to plan for the future instead of tread water like they have the past few seasons. Chicago opens their season on Oct. 12, 2022, in Colorado.